These Soy Garlic Pork Chops are juicy and packed with flavor! The sweet and salty soy sauce mixed with garlic makes a tasty sauce that glazes the meat perfectly.
I love how easy they are to make—just marinate, pan-sear, and enjoy! They pair well with rice or veggies. Trust me, your cravings will thank you! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: I recommend using boneless pork chops for tenderness, but bone-in works too. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can substitute with chicken breasts or thighs.
Soy Sauce: Regular or low-sodium soy sauce can be used. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos or tamari (gluten-free) are excellent alternatives.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can substitute at about 1/4 teaspoon per clove, but fresh is definitely better!
Brown Sugar or Honey: This adds sweetness to balance the salty soy sauce. If you’re avoiding sugar, try using agave or a sugar substitute like stevia.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a zesty kick. If you don’t have fresh, a pinch of ground ginger will work, but use less since it’s more potent.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Pork Chops?
Cooking pork chops just right can be tricky, but here are some tips! First, marinate the meat well. The longer, the better for flavor and tenderness.
- Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chops; this helps to sear them perfectly.
- Aim for 4-5 minutes on each side, but use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. 145°F (63°C) is recommended for pork.
- Let the chops rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute for a juicier bite!
By following these tips, you’ll serve up juicy and flavorful pork chops every time!
How to Make Soy Garlic Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 3 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
For the Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil
For Garnishing:
- 1 green onion, sliced thinly
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and requires at least 30 minutes to marinate or up to 2 hours for better flavor. Cooking the pork chops will take about 10-12 minutes. So, in total, expect to spend about 40 minutes to 2 hours depending on your marination time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar (or honey), grated ginger if you’re using it, and black pepper. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved. This will be your flavorful marinade!
2. Marinate the Pork Chops:
Place the pork chops into a shallow dish or a zip-lock bag. Pour the marinade over the chops, ensuring they are well coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge (up to 2 hours is even better for more flavor).
3. Cook the Pork Chops:
Heat the oil in a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the pork chops from the marinade (be sure to keep that marinade for later) and carefully add them to the skillet. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned and cooked through.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
Once the pork chops are cooked, lower the heat to medium and pour the reserved marinade into the pan. Allow it to simmer, turning the chops occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat well, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve the Dish:
Carefully remove the pork chops from the pan and transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle the delicious thickened sauce over the chops. Garnish with sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top if you’d like!
6. Enjoy!
Serve your flavorful and juicy Soy Garlic Pork Chops hot alongside steamed rice or your choice of veggies. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops Instead of Boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops will work just as well, though they may take a minute or two longer to cook. Just make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
How Long Can I Marinate the Pork Chops?
You can marinate the pork chops for as little as 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, aim for 1-2 hours. If you need to marinate for a longer period, avoid exceeding 24 hours, as the meat can become mushy from the marinade.
What Can I Serve with Soy Garlic Pork Chops?
These pork chops are delicious over steamed rice or noodles, but they also pair well with roasted vegetables or a fresh side salad. You can even make a stir-fry with leftover veggies for a complete meal!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop. You might want to splash a little water or marinade to keep them moist while reheating.
